Ultra-Wide Vehicle Camera for Combined Interior and Exterior Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle camera systems require multiple camera units to monitor the interior and exterior, increasing costs and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single vehicle camera with an ultra-wide-angle lens and imager provides a combined field of view encompassing both interior and exterior, allowing simultaneous imaging and processing of these areas with separate regions for each, reducing the need for multiple cameras and associated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple camera units are used to monitor interior and exterior, then monitoring coverage is improved, but system cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines interior and exterior camera functions into a single camera unit with a split field of view. The imager captures both interior and exterior scenes simultaneously through different optical paths, eliminating the need for separate camera units and reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera unit is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing interior scenes, capturing exterior scenes, and providing both views simultaneously. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized camera units, reducing overall system complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple camera units are used to monitor interior and exterior, then monitoring coverage is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging interior and exterior camera functions into a single unit, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested. This single-unit approach simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly complexity compared to integrating multiple separate camera units.
3Productivity
If separate processing pipelines are used for interior and exterior, then processing efficiency is improved, but data processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the field of view into interior and exterior portions and processes them through separate pipelines. This segmentation allows each pipeline to be optimized for its specific function, improving processing efficiency for each type of scene while managing overall data throughput effectively.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, and optimizes image processing by minimizing irrelevant data and using dedicated processing pipelines for interior and exterior views, while maintaining high resolution and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an ultra-wide-angle lens assembly for focusing onto the imager an ultra-wide-angle image having a field of view
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle camera, camera system including the same, video processing method, and a computer software product, and in aspects may be particularly relevant to vehicular camera systems for monitoring the interior and exterior of the vehicle. In an aspect, a vehicle camera includes an imager and an ultra-wide-angle lens assembly for focusing onto the imager an ultra-wide-angle image having a field of view. The camera is configured to be mounted within a vehicle such that the field of view includes an interior portion representing part of the interior of the vehicle and exterior portion representing part of the exterior of the vehicle.